Music+Department

Music Department​

The following courses cover the Pennsylvania academic standards for the Arts and Humanities.

The music department offers to you many performing ensembles. The two basic ensembles are Concert Band and Chorus. From these basic ensembles come opportunities to participate in other select groups such as Select Chorus, Jazz Band, Brass Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Pep Band and more.

Chorus - 7th through 12th grades Concert Band - 7th through 12th grades Fine Arts B (Intro to Music and Theater) - 10th grade Theory and Performance of Popular Music

__** Chorus: **__

Chorus is year-long course of instruction in vocal techniques and performance. Students will demonstrate proficiency and be graded on the following criteria: sing alone and with others, sight-read repertoire, identify and apply musical terms of notation, expression and articulation, demonstrate understanding of correct posture, breath support, and embouchure, articulation, pitch and tone. Students will have opportunities to reinforce ensemble skills as well as broaden their knowledge of music through the study and performance of music from a variety of musical eras and cultures, traditional and contemporary. All students in this ensemble are required to participate in two or three performances each year, most notably the evening Holiday and Spring concerts. Occasional opportunities to perform at community events may occur. Several after school rehearsals may be required. Students should consider these responsibilities when scheduling this course. Chorus members may also be eligible to audition for Susquehanna County and Pennsylvania Music Educators Association events (Susquehanna County Chorus, PMEA District, Regional and State). Chorus meets every other day within the 6-day cycle.

__** Concert Band: **__

Band is open to all current instrumental students or students new to their particular instrument. Students will have opportunities to reinforce ensemble skills as well as broaden their knowledge of music through the study and performance of music from a variety of musical eras and cultures, traditional and contemporary. All students in this ensemble are required to participate in two or three performances each year, most notably the evening Holiday and Spring concerts as well as the Memorial Day and graduation ceremonies. Occasional opportunities to perform at community events may occur. Several after school rehearsals may be required. Students should consider these responsibilities when scheduling this course. Band members may also be eligible to audition for Susquehanna County and Pennsylvania Music Educators Association events (Susquehanna County Band, PMEA Band Fest, Jazz Ensembles, District, Regional and State). Band meets every other day within the 6-day cycle.

__** Fine Arts B: Music and Theater: **__

The objectives of this 45- day course include knowledge and use of the elements and principles necessary to produce, review, critique, and revise original and respected works in the arts. Students will study the arts of music composition and performance, performance art, and theater. This project-based course inspires creativity and requires cooperation and problem-solving skills. Each unit of study culminates in performance-based projects, including a musical composition and its performance, the production of a student written and produced stage play.

__** Theory and Performance of Popular Music: **__

Will focus on the analysis of various popular songs from a music theory perspective and the practice of performance. Students will work together to create instrumental and vocal arrangements of popular songs to be performed. There will also be a focus on songwriting and various recording techniques. This course is intended for students with at least a basic proficiency in singing and/or playing a musical instrument. An audition for each student who may be interested is required before they are placed in this class.